1. Pneumothorax and the lung point.
Pneumothorax and the lung point. A characteristic lung point is shown. This M-mode image shows one main pattern of the lung point. At the point where the collapsed lung increases slightly its volume and touches more of the thoracic wall, one can see the lung pattern suddenly replacing the A′-profile, as shown using M-mode imaging. The lung point is a pathognomonic sign of pneumothorax. Never forget that a lung point must never be sought if no A′-profile has been identified in the first step (lest confusion occur, slowing the learning curve). Arrow: location of the pleural line.
Daniel Lichtenstein Breathe 2017;13:
©2017 by European Respiratory Society